May 2022 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: May 4th,  2022

May ChCK Trait- Trustworthiness - “No virtue is more universally accepted as a test of good character than trustworthiness” – Harry Emerson Fosdick

  • Approval of Minutes - April Minutes Approved

  • SDHT School Board and Superintendent Visit

    • Bridget Wiedeman - Board President (Former Chestnutwold parent, local neighborhood resident)

    • Larry Feinberg - Vice President (Local neighborhood resident)

    • Dave Schwartz 

    • Latanya King (Current Chestnutwold parent)

    • Dr. Maureen Reusche - District Superintendent 

    • REMARKS: Ms. Wiedeman

      • Thank you for the Chestnutwold student visit during the last School Board meeting.  The students all did a great job with their poetry and presenting their works. 

      • Chestnuwold was also featured recently with a PA Dept of Education walk through.  They featured our work with MTSS.

      • School Board is made up of 9 elected volunteers. They operate and equip the education of our students through curriculum, supervision, and budget decisions.  They set goals and policy, but are not the managers of either.  They are the stewards of both our district's children and our tax dollars while assuring compliance with the required laws.  Their meetings are held in the Oakmont Bldg or in the high school, as capacity expectations require. The Board works as a Body  of Whole for committee work and supports over 6600 students and 1000 staff. They work with a $138 million budget that is 82% funded by property taxes.  They are currently working on 60 million dollars in capital improvements projects in the district. 

      • Been working with a strategic plan that was developed in 2020 (before the pandemic).  It focuses on preparing contemporary citizens, social/emotional wellness, and diversity & inclusion.  They work with liaisons from the DCIU and the DCCC, and Delaware County Legislative.  This includes training of the Board.

    • REMARKS: Dr. Reusche

      • Demographic study regarding large population bubbles for each school.  RFP facilities study will be happening regarding growing enrollments. Encouraging early registrations so they are included in the study.  They are particularly watching 1st grade numbers.  *they are not seeing the same growth in enrollment with that grade that they had been.  In regard to overcrowding, they would first move programming around the district if necessary.  Chestnutwold is not near that happening though. Bussing becomes a big decider in re-districting options.  

        • Are other school’s feeling the squeeze? 

          • Yes, Chatham and Manoa both have larger populations.

        • Where do they get insight on growth of student population?

          • Local preschool census taking.  This unfortunately doesn’t include kids who get preschool outside the local area.

        • What is happening with the parent/guardian equity teams? 

          • Change in personnel.  New hire had to give 2 months notice, and will be starting next week. 

  • Teacher’s Remarks - Ms. Munch School Counselor came representing the school staff.

    • Thanks for the volunteers who have brought back art in the classroom.

    • The 5th graders are all excited about the 101 Dalmations and have been practicing hard!

    • There is an early dismissal on 5/17 - 11:50am.  *PM kindergarten only, no AM

    • There is an early dismissal on 5/27 - 11:50am.  *AM kindergarten only, no PM

    • On 5/19 will be Career Day for 4th graders.  They needs parents to share - link to signup will be in email - due ⅚.

    • On 5/20 Chestnutwold will celebrate Field Day.  The events will take place during their specials block (they hope to make it longer in the years to come.) 

    • Thank you for your kindness and support during teacher appreciation week.  But mostly -”thank you for sharing your children with the staff.” Their infectious excitement fills the halls and they are glad for it.

  • Principal’s Remarks - Primary Day is coming up, and voting will be happening in the cafeteria.  The rest of the school will be locked away and staff will be assigned as security until children are dismissed (½ day). The district is encouraging registrations for next year.  Currently there are 13 new students registering in 1st grade and Kindergartens numbers are lower too.  Now and until 5/17 the teachers and staff will be working on classroom placements for next year.  If you have any concerns and needs that you think the school doesn’t already know, please email Mr. Denelsbeck.  They will not be accepting teacher requests though.  The 3rd/4th/5th graders have finished the PSSA language and math sections are finished.  Thank you for helping prepare the students.  Thank you for the teacher appreciations!  Unity Day for the 5th graders is June 3rd at the middle school.  On June 16th is move up day.  The 4th and 5th grade concert will be 5/16 @ 2:30pm, outside on the courts.  5th grade fun day will be 6/14.  On 5/23 is the elementary track meet at the middle school.  4th grade Career Fair coming - please volunteer.  

  • IDC Update - 

    • The district is implementing a new security system - safe arrival.

    • Teachers are removing their boards from the school’s website and merging their Canvas pages.  Should be more accurate soon.

    • Asking for donations for the after Prom BLAST 

      • (we budget for this already)

  • Treasurers’ Report

Bank balance on 4/30/2022 ended at $31,212.33 up from March’s ending balance of  $30,790.92.

Deposits totaled $2,740.66. This was mostly due to:

  • $740 bundt cake payments

  • $1,350 Chase Sponsor donations

Expenditures totaled $2,319.25. This was mostly due to:

  • $500 donation to Haverford Education Fund

  • $495.28 5th grade musical costs

  • $700 3rd grade field trip

  • $310 to March Madness winners

  • Our swings thermometer is over ½ way there!

    • We have more money than we have ever had at this point in the school year - we can afford the swings and we are moving forward.

  • Chairmen Announcements 

    • In-School Activities

      • Clothing drive and bake sale coming up on primary day 5/17

  • Out of School Activities

    • Thanks to the high school volunteers helping with our committees. 

    • Chatter coming out with a hard copy before the end of year.

    • Chestnutwold Chase - can still register, but no guarantee for shirt anymore. There are 390 registered runners and 18 sponsors.  Sign up genius coming soon for volunteers.

      • Thank you to the Chase team for all their hard work. 

  • New Board Members Introduction and Vote

    • Lisa Mileti for Co-President, Casey Sacchetti for Co-Treasurer and Janet Peros for Vice President of In School Activities

      • 14 people in audience - 13 yeahs for each candidate - ALL POSITIONS APPROVED

  • Upcoming Dates/Events

    • Mother’s Day Bundt Cake Pick Up- May 6th: sign up on the SignUp Genius for time slot

    • Primary Day Clothing Drive–May 17th

    • Primary Day Bake Sale- May 17th: Sign Up Genius will be going out next

    • Chestnutwold Chase- May 22nd

  • Questions/Comments/Concerns 

    • Outside gym time creating come troubles with afternoon pickup

      • Denelsbeck will have groups come in 5 minutes earlier.